How to Choose a Condom

According to condom pioneers Durex, the message is simple: condoms are the only form of protection that can help stop the transmission of STIs and prevent pregnancy. And we happen to agree with them.

In this day and age, with so many different colours, textures and varieties of condoms available there is no excuse for not protecting yourself and your lover from infection and unplanned pregnancy.

This guide will explain exactly why condoms are so important, how to use them and how to choose the right style of condom to suit your needs.

Which is the Best Condom?

There are loads of different condoms available, including flavored for oral sex, extra safe, delay varieties and non-latex for anyone with an allergy to the standard latex used with most condoms. Scroll through below for our lowdown and top suggestions from Lovehoney customers:

Best for: Lasting Longer

Delay Condoms

Delay condoms are a great way to prolong pleasure. Using a tiny amount of the light anesthetic benzocaine, they reduce sensitivity throughout the whole of his penis, effectively working to delay ejaculation.

They have exactly the same features as regular condoms, with reservoir and teat ends and an easy-on shape, but they’re often slightly thicker. This helps to reduce over-stimulation even further, keeping the pleasure going for longer.

"Went from a two-minute wonder to a forty-five minute session."

See more Delay Condoms

Best for: Peace of Mind

Extra Safe Condoms

Worrying about whether a condom will be effective or not can be really off putting, and that’s why extra strength condoms are a great way to enjoy pleasure and protection together.

They’re slightly thicker than standard condoms, providing extra security and safeness, while also reducing the chance of a condom splitting. Some people prefer extra thick condoms for anal sex, as they feel stronger and less likely to split.

" The thick latex is comfortable and takes away a lot the the post paranoia, making sex more enjoyable."

Best for: Tasty Oral

Flavoured Condoms

Flavoured condoms come in a variety of exciting and delicious tastes, and they are the perfect way to make oral sex fun and safe. They’re also good if you or your partner feel self conscious about taste, as they take the worry away, and help you to both enjoy oral sex more.

Since flavoured condoms are shaped and made in the same way as regular condoms, they can be used as a safe and effective means of protection during sex too.

"The flavours are excellent and there is a wide variety to suit every taste."

Best for: the Well-Endowed

Extra Large Condoms

If you’re bigger than average and find condoms too tight, or that they come off easily during sex or split, then large condoms might be better for you. Large and extra large condoms can measure anywhere up to around 241mm (the average condom size is around 178mm).

If your condom is too small, it’s unlikely to offer you the same kind of protection as you would find with a condom that fits.

"In use they are spot on for both parties. I get a non-strangled sexual experience and the OH gets more sex because of it."

Best for: Latex Allergies

Non-Latex Condoms

Being allergic to latex can be quite a problem if you’re going to use condoms. Ensuring that you use latex-free condoms is important, especially if you want to enjoy safe and pleasurable play.

Non-latex condoms tend to be made from materials like polyisoprene or polyethelene, which actually offer a more natural feeling compared to regular condoms - with the same amount of protection. It’s for this reason that lots of people prefer the sensation of non-latex condoms, even if they’re fine to use the standard latex variety.

Best for: Extra Sensation

Ribbed Condoms

Textured condoms are one of the best ways to spice-up play together, without bringing sex toys into the bedroom. All textured condoms are detailed differently, some have raised dots, others ridges and bumps, all of which help to provide extra stimulation for both partners during sex.

It’s because they feature such satisfying textures that they’re a firm favourite with couples who want to join protection and pleasure in the bedroom.

Best for: Natural-Feeling Closeness

Extra Thin Condoms

Sensitive condoms give you the sensation of closeness, while still providing full protection. Usually they have around 20% less thickness when compared to regular condoms, which allows for a more real-life sensation during sex. They’re usually made from premium quality latex which has the same durability and strength as standard variety condoms.

Sensitive condoms are the perfect way to compromise between closeness and safety.

"All in all a great way to retain sensation when the use of a condom is essential."

Best for: Snug Fit

Small Condoms

Using the right sized condom is really important - a condom that doesn’t fit properly won’t be effective against pregnancy or STIs. If you find that regular sized condoms simply don’t fit, that they slip off during sex or never feel quite as snug as you’d expect, smaller condoms could be right for you.

Small condoms have all the benefits as standard size, including the reservoir tip for easy clean-up and extra lubrication.

"Overall, these are great condoms, doing exactly what a standard condom should do and even more! I would highly recommend these to anyone who prefers a more snug fitting condom."